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We must not submit to a post-constitutional era where oaths are optional

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic ...” That is the first line of the oath of off...

DATE: Jul 30, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

County budget woes deserve a deeper look at planning, building and legal policies

We appreciate the La Plata County commissioners’ column, “La Plata County budget crisis calls for shared responsibility and leadership” (Herald, July 21), which outlines several structural a...

DATE: Jul 27, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Thank you for your patience as we build a stronger, safer and more efficient infrastructure

Summertime is construction time for the city of Durango. As the mayor, I understand that this can lead to frustration for our residents, given the delays caused by the ongoing road projects ...

DATE: Jul 27, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Wild farming, ranching and gardening – strategies in rewilding local foodsheds

In January 2008, just after a meeting of the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition at Asilomar on the gorgeous mid-California Coast, I set out to explore one of our nation’s breadbaskets – or be...

DATE: Jul 27, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘One community – one goal,’ doing our best to serve all students in Durango

We read with interest the recent announcement from Durango School District regarding its rebranding and efforts to “reduce confusion” about which schools fall under its oversight (Herald, Ju...

DATE: Jul 25, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘Alzheimer’s can’t keep me from running’: With dementia, get moving and mindful

When my husband, Dr. Alan Schooley, was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer’s at age 51, the Denver medical team recommended the MIND Diet, intense exercise and meditation. I worked the MIN...

DATE: Jul 23, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

La Plata County budget crisis calls for shared responsibility and leadership

To begin, we welcome Elizabeth Philbrick to the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners, replacing Clyde Church who resigned his seat so that he could take care of his family. We thank...

DATE: Jul 21, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

ICE, or how to waste billions to sabotage the economy

Someone should sic DOGE on that pork barrel with a fuse, ICE. POTUS’s “big, beautiful bill” wastes billions of taxpayers’ money funding the largest, most expensive police force in the world,...

DATE: Jul 20, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Go ahead be yourself, it looks good on you and you’ll flourish here

I had an epiphany the other day. It was low key as epiphanies go, easily overlooked, but it illuminated an aspect of how life is lived in Durango. I’ll explain. The day began with two of us ...

DATE: Jul 20, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

If history is any guide, this moment signals a new beginning about to commence

Not proud, wanting to be, but just not feeling it. That sums up the mood of young adults in America these days. The numbers don’t lie, the youngest two generations are significantly less lik...

DATE: Jul 18, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Cruelty is the point, fear the purpose of Trump’s approach to immigration

Immigration is what built the United States, but it has always been problematic. Almost every group of people who immigrated after the first English/Protestant settlers faced legal and extra...

DATE: Jul 16, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

America’s fight against global hunger is dying in the field and deserves a vigorous defense

U.S. foreign aid goals have evolved since the creation of the U.S. Agency for International Development in 1961, but investments have historically focused on three things: health, humanitari...

DATE: Jul 13, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Videos & Photos

Photos: Local girls high school wrestling at La Plata TriDurango girls wrestling went 2-0 to win Tri on Thursday night at Bayfield20101395Jade Kehoe of Bayfield High School takes on Ireland Cates of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001782Timber Zink of Durango High School takes on Ireland Cates of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101819Timber Zink of Durango High School takes on Ireland Cates of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001640Jade Kehoe of Bayfield High School takes on Ireland Cates of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101682Jade Kehoe of Bayfield High School takes on Ireland Cates of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101755Lillian Feinberg of Durango High School takes on Krysten Neil of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101451Lillian Feinberg of Durango High School takes on Krysten Neil of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101533Delilah Zink of Bayfield High School takes on Kodi Rima of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15002115Delilah Zink of Bayfield High School takes on Kodi Rima of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001527Ashlynn Bravo of Bayfield High School takes on Eliska Prokopova of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001871Ashlynn Bravo of Bayfield High School takes on Eliska Prokopova of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101690Ashlynn Bravo of Bayfield High School is pinned by Eliska Prokopova of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101324Ashlynn Bravo of Bayfield High School takes on Eliska Prokopova of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101327Haidyn Albrecht of Durango High School takes on Eliska Prokopova of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001821Allison Thomas of Bayfield High School takes on Jada Davis of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101182Haidyn Albrecht of Durango High School takes on Eliska Prokopova of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101316Haidyn Albrecht of Durango High School takes on Eliska Prokopova of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101333Lillian Feinberg of Durango High School takes on Krysten Neil of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101323Lillian Feinberg of Durango High School takes on Krysten Neil of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101240Timber Zink of Durango High School takes on Ireland Cates of Ignacio High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101291Kodi Rima of Ignacio School takes on Aleia Fenberg of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101483Ashlynn Bravo of Bayfield High School takes on Lillian Fenberg of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101578Delilah Zink of Bayfield High School takes on Haidyn Albrecht of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101773Violet Christner School takes on Sydney McAllister of Durango High School on Thursday at at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101455Jada Davis of Ignacio School takes on Keelyn Reynolds of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101442Jada Davis of Ignacio School takes on Keelyn Reynolds of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101612Delilah Zink of Bayfield High School takes on Haidyn Albrecht of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101397Jade Kehoe of Bayfield High School takes on Timber Zink of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101427Kodi Rima of Ignacio School takes on Aleia Fenberg of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101501Delilah Zink of Bayfield High School takes on Haidyn Albrecht of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101419Violet Christner School takes on Sydney McAllister of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101340Kodi Rima of Ignacio School takes on Aleia Fenberg of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001684Violet Christner School takes on Sydney McAllister of Durango High School on Thursday at at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101183Ashlynn Bravo of Bayfield High School takes on Lillian Fenberg of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001736Jade Kehoe of Bayfield High School takes on Timber Zink of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)9751332Jade Kehoe of Bayfield High School takes on Timber Zink of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)9751197Jada Davis of Ignacio School takes on Keelyn Reynolds of Durango High School on Thursday at Bayfield High School during the La Plata County Tri with Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Local girls high school wrestling at La Plata Tri
Durango girls wrestling went 2-0 to win Tri on Thursday night at Bayfield
Photos: Fort Lewis College women’s and men’s basketball take on Westminster UniversityBoth Skyhawks teams were victorious on Saturday afternoon20101551Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002060Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College finger rolls the ball over Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101357Ashten Martinez of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002616Massal Diouf of Fort Lewis College blocks a Westminster University shot on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002159Cassius Carmichael of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002379Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002093Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College passes the ball while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101672Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 9751219Jaxon Smith of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002213Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College drives to the basket while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001684Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101412Lauren Zuniga, left, Fort Lewis College women’s baseketball head coach, and assistant coach Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw are all smiles with player Claudia Palacio Gámez after winning the game against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001784Stewart Erhart of Fort Lewis College splits the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001472Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a 3-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001816Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002003Claudia Palacio Gámez of Fort Lewis College fights off the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002294Josie Davis of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101958Trey Curry of Fort Lewis College takes away a passing lane while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101942Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001897Savanna Dotray of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001767Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College goes for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101501Savanna Dotray, left, and Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College fights for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101579Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College comes off the floor during the Westminster University game on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 9752059Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001953Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Fort Lewis College women’s and men’s basketball take on Westminster University
Both Skyhawks teams were victorious on Saturday afternoon
Photos and video: Locomotive No. 2030002009The historic Rio Grande Southern Locomotive No. 20 heads down Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Friday toward Durango. An icon of Schenectady engineering, RGS No. 20 is set to operate on select days throughout January and February on the D&SNG railway. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001557The historic Rio Grande Southern Locomotive No. 20 heads down Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Friday toward Durango. An icon of Schenectady engineering, RGS No. 20 is set to operate on select days throughout January and February on the D&SNG railway. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001975The historic Rio Grande Southern Locomotive No. 20 heads down Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Friday toward Durango. An icon of Schenectady engineering, RGS No. 20 is set to operate on select days throughout January and February on the D&SNG railway. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002009The historic Rio Grande Southern Locomotive No. 20 heads down Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Friday toward Durango. An icon of Schenectady engineering, RGS No. 20 is set to operate on select days throughout January and February on the D&SNG railway. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 0VideoYouTube480360
Photos and video: Locomotive No. 20
Photos: An afternoon in 2004 with the late Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell as he works on Capitol HillDurango Herald Photo Editor Jerry McBride had the chance to spend an afternoon with the late Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell in 2004, photographing him during meetings and around the Capitol.30002140Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell gives his wife, Linda Campbell, a kiss while she visits him at his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 15002166Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell works in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002000Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell gives an interview on a biography written about him by author Herman J. Viola on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 15001983Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell talks with some of his aides in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30001993Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell stands in the Senate Chamber on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002181A photo of Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002000Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell walks through the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002000Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell sits in the Senate Chamber on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30001998Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell looks over documents while riding in the Capitol subway system on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002000Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell works in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002000Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell holds a meeting in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002000Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell works in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002024Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell leaves his office and walks down the hallway in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30001674A cartoon illustration of Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30001768Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell works in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 15002250Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell sits in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002160Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell sits with one of his aides while riding in the Capitol subway system on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 15002250Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell holds a meeting in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 15002250Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell walks through the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002000Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell gives an interview on a biography written about him by author Herman J. Viola on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002000Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell sits in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002103Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell leaves his office and walks down the hallway in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 27, 2004, during his last months in office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)
Photos: An afternoon in 2004 with the late Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell as he works on Capitol Hill
Durango Herald Photo Editor Jerry McBride had the chance to spend an afternoon with the late Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell in 2004, photographing him during meetings and around the Capitol.
Photos and video: ICE protests return to DurangoAbout a dozen protesters tried to block federal agents from leaving with a detainee on Thursday39422956A protester who asked not to be identified by name has her eyes rinsed with water after being pepper sprayed outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)19511463U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers remove protesters after they linked arms and sat in front of the ICE field office driveway Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)24241744U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers remove protesters after they linked arms and sat in front of the ICE field office driveway Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)35232370A protester who declined to be identified has his shirt cut off after being pepper sprayed outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)34352576A protester who asked not to be identified by name has her eyes rinsed with water after being pepper sprayed outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)26481807A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer prepares to pepper spray protesters in front of the ICE field office driveway Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)29331956Protesters link arms and prepare to block vehicles from leaving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30121971A protester who declined to be identified has his eyes rinsed with water after being pepper sprayed outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)39342206Protesters link arms and prepare to block vehicles from leaving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office Friday in Durango. A federal agent exits the vehicle carrying pepper spray. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)25261893U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers remove protesters after they linked arms and sat in front of the ICE field office driveway Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)21741484Protesters link arms and prepare to block vehicles from leaving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)34442254A protester who asked not to be identified by name has her eyes rinsed with water after being pepper sprayed outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office Friday in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)0VideoYouTube480360
Photos and video: ICE protests return to Durango
About a dozen protesters tried to block federal agents from leaving with a detainee on Thursday
The Durango Herald’s year in photos 202513831029The Durango Herald's year in photos 2025.30002292Supporters hug after the Durango School District 9-R board members passed a resolution in January allowing the pride and Black Lives Matter flags to be displayed in schools after the banning of those flags prompted backlash. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30001829Horses, riders and skiers compete in the sport class for the fastest times on the course during Silverton Skijoring in February on Blair Street in Silverton. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)20101889The Snowdown Hot Air Balloon Rally on Feb. 1 in the Animas Valley. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)20102035Durango Fire Protection District emergency personnel use two Jaws of Life to extricate the driver of a Jeep SUV it collided with a U-Haul truck in March on U.S. Highway 550, 4 miles south of Purgatory Resort. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002032Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the The Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry in March at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)54583786Protesters link arms as federal agents try to remove them in October at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Durango. (Josh Stephenson/Special to the Herald file)57603840A protester who was pepper sprayed calls her mother outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office on Oct. 28 in Durango. (Josh Stephenson/Special to the Herald file)43403172Protesters link arms while federal agents pepper spray them in October at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Durango. (Josh Stephenson/Special to the Herald file)30002203Derrick Echevarria operates a Zamboni while resurfacing the ice between hockey games in April at Chapman Hill Ice Rink. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)15001863An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Rim Road Fire in July burning south of County Road 318 southwest of Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002025The Rim Road Fire burns in July south of County Road 318 southwest of Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)20101499William Balfour, 12, plays in the foam cannon at the Durango Community Recreation Center as the center celebrates National Parks & Rec Month in July. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)15001570Wildland firefighters head out into the Elkhorn Fire from where the fire started at a home under construction in July on Missionary Ridge north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002136Lillian White, 8, holds her chicken Bubba that she dressed up as popcorn chicken in August during the chicken costume contest at the La Plata County Fair. Lillian won first place. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)29112328Cairo Uentillie, 5, was not thrilled about the first day of school on Aug. 19 at Needham Elementary School. She receives a hug from her mom, Chelsey Uentillie. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)28792030Patricia Howell, photographed in the Herald studio on Sept. 11, is a former inmate at the La Plata County jail who was notified she is an alleged victim of the former jail Cmdr. Ed Aber, who faces invasion of privacy charges. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002229Firefighter Chris Canawa, with Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, helps Ron Savage as he evacuates his Vallecito Reservoir home in October as flood water from Vallecito Creek surround his house. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30001799Vallecito Creek flows near 6,000 cubic feet per second at the north end of Vallecito Reservoir in October as floodwaters from Vallecito Creek caused the evacuation of about 400 homes in the area. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30001961A boater tries to free his raft in October after getting hung up on debris on the Main Avenue Bridge while rafting a high flowing Animas River. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002071Emergency personnel from La Plata County Sheriffs Office, Upper Pine River Fire Protection District and volunteers sandbag a home at the north end of Vallecito Reservoir in October as floodwaters from Vallecito Creek caused the evacuation of about 400 homes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002042Brandon Faulkenburg, a part-time resident in north Vallecito, clears debris and diverts water around a neighbor’s home in October during flooding in the area. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30001909Logan Mosher, a firefighter with Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, talks in October about the decision to demolish a house before it could be swept away by Vallecito Creek, creating additional problems downstream. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002058Elizabeth Petry, sits by the Animas River in September thinking back when was booked into the La Plata County Jail and is now an alleged victim of former jail Cmdr. Ed Aber, who is suspected of invasion of privacy charges. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002161Candles and phones glow in Durango’ Rotary Park during the Charlie Kirk vigil in September. More than three hundred people attended the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002000McKenzie Kuehnert, 4, shows her empty hand to her mom, Michelle, as she and her sister Bexley, 2, being held by her dad, Mark, feed alfalfa pellets to Moon, being ridden by Patty Ann Rager as her husband, Donald Rager, helps out in October during the Durango Cowboy Gathering Horseback Social on Main Avenue in Downtown Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)20101336Katalina Capalbo, 12, gives Woody a bath before the Junior Livestock Show in August at the La Plata County Fair. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)15002231A helicopter drops water July 27 on the Elkhorn Fire burning on Missionary Ridge north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002101A helicopter drops water July 27 on the Elkhorn Fire burning on Missionary Ridge north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002380Scotlyn Bobbin, 3, holds her lamb while participating in Pee Wee Showmanship in August during the La Plata County Fair. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002091Colorado Outback Adventure guide Ashton Dorathy navigates his boat through the rocks on the low-flowing Animas River on Aug. 14 in Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002004Working the High Country Cattle Auction from left, Cortni Cox; Becky Hawkins, auctioneer; Shane Hatch; and Duane Cugini as buyers look over cattle in the ring on Sept. 23 in Breen southwest of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)15001783Judy Blaisdell whips the king, her husband Bob Blaisdell, during the No Kings Day rally Oct. 18 in front of the Bayfield Town Hall. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30001993Tourists snap photos of the snow-covered San Juan Mountains on Tuesday from the Molas Pass Overlook on U. S. Highway 550. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002004James Ranch cattle feed on mixed pasture grass June 24 north of Durango. At the time, the grass was thick and a few feet tall thanks to a wet spring. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) 30002008A rattlesnake used by Professional dog trainer Terry Chandler during a Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinic hosted by the Durango Kennel Club in June in Ignacio. About 140 people with their dogs signed up for the clinic. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002263Not letting his kids have all the fun, Bill Smith flies off a jump March 14 while sledding at Buckley Park in Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)20101352La Plata Electric Association crews and Wasatch Electric work on upgrading the power lines in February along U.S. Highway 550 north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002267Durango Fire Protection District emergency personnel and the Flight For Life crew take the driver of a Jeep SUV to the helicopter. The Jeep collided with U-Haul truck March 5 on U.S. Highway 550, 4 miles south of Purgatory Resort. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)29331854A common merganser flies past a kayaker in the Durango Whitewater Park on May 13 as flows topped out at 1,810 cubic feet per second. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)29232027Heather and Wayne Houk stand in front of their home south of Durango in January. They were forced out of their home after a 23,000-gallon gasoline spill next to their property back in December, which contaminated their well water. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002059An inmate is escorted through the booking area Jan. 16 in the La Plata County Jail. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002279Terry Gypsy Woody in his tent on a city-owned lot next to the Espero Apartments in west Durango was notified in January that he had to move. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002000Snow falls in Durango on Jan. 29 bringing much-needed moisture to the area. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002135Heather Shotton, incoming Fort Lewis College president, takes a selfie with graduates behind her on May 3 during the commencement ceremony in Whalen Gym. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)30002140Three wolf dog hybrids in a quarantine kennel Jan. 30 at Wolfwood Refuge near Ignacio. Wolfwood took in several wolf dogs and puppies that were being abused at an Ohio farm. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)
The Durango Herald’s year in photos 2025
Photos: Chapman Hill fires up the snow guns40322268Tim Kuss grooms snow Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)33782500Tim Kuss uses a joystick to groom snow Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Tim Kuss checks snow guns Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The snow guns in operation Monday night pumped about 200 gallons of water per minute, adding up to about 120,000 gallons overnight. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)33782533Tim Kuss grooms snow and checks the snow guns Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The snow guns in operation Monday night pumped about 200 gallons of water per minute, adding up to about 120,000 gallons overnight. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40322977Tim Kuss checks a snow gun Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The snow guns in operation Monday night pumped about 200 gallons of water per minute, adding up to about 120,000 gallons overnight. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Tim Kuss grooms snow Tuesday morning near the base of Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)39912245Tim Kuss talks about driving the snowcat Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Tim Kuss grooms snow Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40322268Tim Kuss grooms snow Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40243018Tim Kuss checks snow guns Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The snow guns in operation Monday night pumped about 200 gallons of water per minute, adding up to about 120,000 gallons overnight. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Tim Kuss grooms snow and checks the snow guns Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The snow guns in operation Monday night pumped about 200 gallons of water per minute, adding up to about 120,000 gallons overnight. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Tim Kuss checks a snow gun Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The snow guns in operation Monday night pumped about 200 gallons of water per minute, adding up to about 120,000 gallons overnight. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Temperatures dipped low enough Monday night and early Tuesday to make snow at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The ski area pumped about 120,000 gallons of water overnight. On even colder nights, it can pump up to 300,000 gallons. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)36762324Temperatures dipped low enough Monday night and early Tuesday to make snow at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The ski area pumped about 120,000 gallons of water overnight. On even colder nights, it can pump up to 300,000 gallons. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Temperatures dipped low enough Monday night and early Tuesday to make snow at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The ski area pumped about 120,000 gallons of water overnight. On even colder nights, it can pump up to 300,000 gallons. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)32752370Temperatures dipped low enough Monday night and early Tuesday to make snow at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The ski area pumped about 120,000 gallons of water overnight. On even colder nights, it can pump up to 300,000 gallons. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)35462268Temperatures dipped low enough Monday night and early Tuesday to make snow at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The ski area pumped about 120,000 gallons of water overnight. On even colder nights, it can pump up to 300,000 gallons. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)39912779Temperatures dipped low enough Monday night and early Tuesday to make snow at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The ski area pumped about 120,000 gallons of water overnight. On even colder nights, it can pump up to 300,000 gallons. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)34582444Temperatures dipped low enough Monday night and early Tuesday to make snow at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The ski area pumped about 120,000 gallons of water overnight. On even colder nights, it can pump up to 300,000 gallons. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Tim Kuss grooms checks snow guns Tuesday morning at Chapman Hill Ski Area in Durango. The snow guns in operation Monday night pumped about 200 gallons of water per minute, adding up to about 120,000 gallons overnight. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)
Photos: Chapman Hill fires up the snow guns
Photos: Wreaths Across America at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango30002045The honor guard is seen as “Taps” is played during the Wreaths Across America event Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, which is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002053More than a hundred people attended the Wreaths Across America event Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, which is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001957More than a hundred people attended the Wreaths Across America event Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, which is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002058Cyrus Nabors, a La Plata County Sheriff’s Office deputy, salutes after placing a wreath at the Veterans Memorial at Greenmount Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America event on Saturday, which is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002000More than a hundred people attended the Wreaths Across America event Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, which is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002352Veteran Joe Perino recites a poem as Chris Bartlett and Jill Williams listen during the Wreaths Across America event Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery. The event is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001994Brayton Thurber, a La Plata County Sheriff’s Office deputy, places a wreath at the Veterans Memorial at Greenmount Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America event Saturday. The event is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 9751685The honor guard is seen as “Taps” is played during the Wreaths Across America event Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery. The event is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 60004000Melinda Fagner places a wreath on a veteran’s headstone at Greenmount Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America event Saturday. The event is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001780The honor guard is seen as “Taps” is played during the Wreaths Across America event Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery. The event is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002131Jolleen Myers places a wreath on her husband, Louis Myers’, headstone at Greenmount Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America event Saturday. The event is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. Louis Myers served in the U.S. Navy. Volunteers scattered across the cemetery placing 1,230 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15002250Durango Fire Protection District brought its ladder truck and a flag to the entrance of Greenmount Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America event Saturday. The event is organized by Blue Star Moms of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Wreaths Across America at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango
Photos: Durango High School girls basketball plays Piedra Vista High SchoolPanthers left Durango with 37-29 win on Tuesday night20101504Josie Phare of Durango High School fights for a loose ball with Olivia Chavez, left, and Peyton Begaye of Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001748Jaelyn Alston of Durango High School blocks the shot of Shahiyena John of Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101514Ryne Neiman of Durango High School puts up a shot over Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001739Eden Reed of Piedra Vista High School plays defense against Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101265Claire Goodwin of Durango High School plays defense against Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 9751182Josie Phare of Durango High School puts up a shot while playing Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001679Shahiyena John of Piedra Vista High School fights to put up a shot while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001872Jaelyn Alston of Durango High School fights off the Piedra Vista High School defense on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001817Kaleigh Roan of Durango High School fights for a rebound while playing Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101632Kaleigh Roan, left, and Aysia Matthews of Durango High School fight for the ball with Peyton Begaye of Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001747Jaelyn Alston of Durango High School drives through the Piedra Vista High School defense to put up a shot on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101486Eden Reed of Piedra Vista High School looks to put up a shot while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20101575Ryne Neiman of Durango High School blocks the shot of Jaime Pierce of Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001897Claire Goodwin of Durango High School puts up a shot over Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001610Josie Phare of Durango High School looks to get around the defense of Chloe Hickman of Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15001619Kaleigh Roan of Durango High School fights for a rebound with Olivia Chavez of Piedra Vista High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Durango High School girls basketball plays Piedra Vista High School
Panthers left Durango with 37-29 win on Tuesday night
Photos: Noel Night in downtown Durango30002129Zia Fadil and Rebekah Quayle have their picture taken with Santa during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 48433617Sharon Evans waits to have her books wrapped in the trailer in front of Maria’s Bookshop during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002000The Durango Police Department has a fun time during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002292DJ Grove spins music at Charvera boutique during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001868Ezekiell Ping, 16, a 4-H member, sells s’mores with the help of Sarah Jacobson for an agriculture learning trip to Europe during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001998Group Shower performs in front of Maria’s Bookshop during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002002Outdoor vendors set up in front of Primi Pasta & Wine Bar during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores on Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002000Santa waves in front of the 11th Street Station during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002091DJ Grove spins music at Charvera boutique during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002000The Starter Hotel during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002000Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001928The Vineyard Church offers cookies during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002041Cherry Odelberg plays at Lively, a boutique, during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002020The s’mores bar is a favorite stop during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores on Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002088A choir sings during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001933Fridays with Phil, from Bayfield, perform during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002313Children pose for a picture with Santa during Noel Night in downtown Durango on Friday as the community takes part in the celebration of the holiday shopping season at stores along Main Avenue. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Noel Night in downtown Durango
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